Retail shopping foot traffic hasn\u2019t just recovered, it\u2019s accelerating, according to recent data for April from pass_by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ongoing news about import tariffs is a factor, according to the survey firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all agree. Some point to the Easter holiday, the 3.6 percent rise in income tax rebates this spring, and Wall Street chatter that is louder than that heard on Main Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe closer the industry gets to a concrete tariff timeline, the more consumers are \u2018pulling forward\u2019 discretionary and import-heavy purchases,\u201d James Ewen, vice president of marketing at pass_by, told Commercial Property Executive.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re seeing pantry staples like specialty foods surge, but other categories also show strong year-over-year growth, such as jewelry and apparel. For commercial real estate and retailers, the message is clear: be ready for one more rush of demand before any new duties actually land, and then a likely lull as pantries, closets and garages sit full.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pass_by uses the National Retail Federation 4-5-4 calendar to calculate year-over-year changes to ensure consistent yearly data comparisons. Its data is based on 99 percent accurate in-store sensors and complemented by datasets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the second week in a row, the week ending April 20 saw elevated consumer turnout at stores. Foot traffic increased by +6.10 percent year-over-year, nearly double the previous week\u2019s spike (+3.23 percent). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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